Medical imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a medical imaging apparatus comprising a frame ( 2 ) whereon is mounted at least one medical imaging data processing unit ( 4 ) connected at least to imaging sensor forming means ( 5,7,8,9 ), and to image display forming means ( 6 ). The invention is characterized in that the frame ( 2 ) comprises at least one integrated chamber ( 11 ) for disinfecting the sensor forming means, including means for generating a disinfecting radiation and adapted to implement a sanitizing cycle thereof.

The present invention concerns a medical imaging apparatus.

More particularly, the invention relates to such an apparatus whichincludes a frame on which is mounted at least one medical imaging dataprocessing unit connected at least to imaging sensor forming means andto image display forming means.

Such a medical imaging apparatus can be constituted, for example, by asonogram apparatus, an endoscope, or other.

That is, a high number of medical imaging apparatuses have been providedin the state of the art.

However, these apparatuses have a number of drawbacks, in particularwith respect to sensor disinfection.

Namely, the disinfection of such sensors is performed most of the timesimply by wiping them, for example, with a cloth soaked with adisinfection substance of any type.

Other disinfection techniques require dipping the sensor in anappropriate disinfecting solution.

The problem of these disinfection techniques is that, either they areeasy to implement, such as, for example, by wiping, but they do not makeit possible in this case to obtain an optimal disinfection of thesensor, or they are more complex to implement, such as, for example,immerging the sensor in a disinfecting solution, but in that case, theyare implemented in a more or less systematic manner.

Indeed, this last technique requires disconnecting the sensor from thesonogram apparatus, immerging it and letting it soak in the disinfectingsolution, then reconnecting it to the sonogram apparatus.

However, such manipulations of the sensor can result in deterioratingit.

Namely, disconnecting and reconnecting the sensor can lead todeteriorating the corresponding connectors. Similarly, the sensor canalso be damaged during its disinfection in the solution.

However, such sensors are quite expensive.

Further, these various disinfection techniques require thatcorresponding disinfection means be available, which disinfection meanscan on occasion be difficult to use or even require a specificcontainment.

The objective of the invention is to remedy these problems.

To this effect, an object of the invention is a medical imagingapparatus, of the type comprising a frame on which is mounted at leastone medical imaging data processing unit, connected at least to imagingsensor forming means and to image display forming means, characterizedin that the frame includes at least one integrated chamber fordisinfecting the sensor forming means, including means for generating adisinfecting radiation and adapted to implement a disinfecting cyclethereof.

According to other characteristics of the invention:

-   -   the chamber is equipped with an access hatch and is associated        with a control panel provided on the frame;    -   each sensor has identification data and the chamber is        associated with means for acquiring the identification data of        the or each sensor when it is put in place and when it is        removed from the chamber at the start and at the end of a        disinfecting cycle, with means for acquiring characterization        data of the disinfecting cycle, and with means for associating        the identification data of the or each instrument and the        characterization data of the disinfecting cycle to generate        traceability data of the disinfection of the or each sensor;    -   the identification data of each sensor is in the form of a bar        code and the corresponding acquisition means of the chamber        comprise a code reader;    -   the chamber includes a boom for suspending the sensor and the        reader is fixed to this boom;    -   the means for acquiring characterization data of the        disinfecting cycle comprise means for acquiring data selected        from the data group comprising identification data of the        chamber and/or of the apparatus and time-stamping data of the        disinfecting cycle;    -   the chamber includes means for generating a UV radiation for        disinfecting the sensor and the characterization data of the        disinfecting cycle comprise data on the UV dose emitted during        the cycle, provided by a corresponding sensing element implanted        in the chamber.    -   the UV sensing element is implanted under the boom of the        chamber;    -   the means for associating the data are associated with means for        displaying this data, for storing this data, and/or for printing        this data;    -   the means for associating this data are adapted to emit        traceability data only if the corresponding sensor has actually        been identified when it is put in place and when it is removed        from the chamber before and after the disinfecting cycle,        respectively;    -   the chamber has an interior surface having a circular        cross-section;    -   the inner surface of the chamber has semi-circular recesses for        receiving radiation generating means;    -   the radiation generating means include four tubes disposed at        90° with respect to one another;    -   the chamber has an inner surface covered at least in part by        polytetrafluoroethylene;    -   the chamber has means for suspending at least one sensor in the        chamber and means for rotating the sensor in the chamber;    -   the rotating means are adapted to trigger an oscillating        movement over a predetermined angular range of the suspension        means;    -   the rotating means comprise electric drive means associated with        a hook for suspending the sensor in the chamber;    -   the suspension means and the drive means are associated with the        boom extending in the chamber;    -   the chamber has means for suspending at least one sensor in the        chamber and means for generating in the chamber a disinfection        radiation, and means transparent to the radiation for holding        the sensor in an elongated state and in a substantially vertical        orientation under the suspension means;    -   the holding means are adapted to hold the sensor substantially        at the center of the chamber;    -   the holding means comprise means for guiding the sensor in the        chamber;    -   the guiding means include one or several members in the form of        combs for guiding the sensor distributed over the height of the        chamber;    -   the guiding means comprise one or several tubes for receiving        the sensor;    -   the holding means comprise a weight adapted to be coupled at the        free end of the sensor; and    -   the holding means are made in silicium oxide.

The invention will be better understood by reading the followingdescription given by way of example only, in reference to the annexeddrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of embodiment of a medicalimaging apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of an example of embodiment of adisinfecting chamber which is part of the constitution of an apparatusaccording to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic synoptic view illustrating the structure andoperation of means for traceability of the disinfection of a sensor,which is part of the constitution of an apparatus according to theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of a portion of the chamber whichis part of the constitution of an apparatus of the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are detailed views of embodiments of this chamber.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a medical imaging apparatus.

In the example of embodiment illustrated on these Figures, thisapparatus is constituted, for example, by a sonogram apparatus which isdesignated by the general reference numeral 1 on FIG. 1.

Thus, this apparatus comprises a frame designated by the generalreference numeral 2, which is mounted, for example, on wheels, one ofwhich is designated by the general reference 3, so as to bedisplaceable.

On this frame, various parts of the sonogram apparatus are mounted, suchas, for example, a medical imaging data processing unit designated bythe general reference numeral 4, connected at least to imaging sensorforming means designated by the general reference numeral 5 on thisFigure, and means forming display monitor of these images designated bythe general reference numeral 6.

Of course, it is understood that other parts and components can beprovided, such as, for example, printing means, etc.

In the example of embodiment illustrated on this FIG. 1, the frame alsocomprises means for storing the sensors.

There are, for example, three sensors, designated by the generalreference numerals 7, 8, and 9 on this Figure, and they actuallycomprise an active portion functioning as sensor connected by aconnecting cable to a respective connector that makes it possible toconnect the sensor to the rest of the apparatus, and in particular tothe data processing unit of this apparatus.

The sensor storing means are, for example, designated by the generalreference numeral 10 on this Figure, and they include any appropriatepart for storing sensors, such as, for example, a member in the form ofa comb for coupling to sensors, as illustrated.

Of course, it is understood that other embodiments can also beenvisioned.

According to the invention, this medical imaging apparatus alsocomprises at least one integrated chamber for disinfection of the sensorforming means.

Such a chamber is designated, for example, by the general reference 11on FIG. 1.

Actually, as illustrated on FIGS. 1 and 2, such a chamber 11 isintegrated into the frame of the apparatus and includes, for example, anaccess hatch designated by the general reference 12 on these Figures,which enables an operator to introduce a sensor, such as, for example,the sensor 7, into the chamber, in order to subject it to a disinfectingcycle.

A large number of embodiments of the access hatch can be envisioned. Forexample, this hatch can be articulated on the frame to enable anoperator to open and close the chamber.

Then, the chamber 11 has means for generating a disinfection radiationfor disinfection of the sensor, this radiation being, for example, a UVradiation, for example, a C type UV radiation.

In this case, the generation means comprise, for example, UVC tubes suchas designated by the general reference numeral 13 on this FIG. 2.

A more detailed example of embodiment of these tubes and of theirarrangement will be provided below.

Then, operation of this chamber is controlled by control meansassociated with, for example, a control panel designated by the generalreference numeral 14 on this Figure, and provided on the frame 2 of theapparatus.

In addition, the chamber is also equipped with means for suspending thesensor in this chamber.

These suspension means are formed, for example, by a boom designated bythe general reference numeral 15, enabling the operator to hang thecable 7 of the sensor, so as to maintain the sensor in suspendedposition in the chamber in order to optimize its disinfection.

The document EP-A-0 839 537 already describes a device of this type forsupporting instruments in a chamber, in particular a decontaminationchamber, and a corresponding chamber.

Then, it is understood that the integration of such a chamber into amedical imaging apparatus makes it possible to greatly facilitate thesensor disinfecting operations in-so-far the UV radiation disinfectionis extremely effective and it is no longer necessary todisconnect/reconnect the sensor from the apparatus and to let it soak ina disinfection solution in order to obtain an effective disinfection.

That is, the passage of the sensor during a few minutes in thedisinfection chamber makes it possible to obtain an optimal disinfectionof this sensor, in a very simple manner for the operator, for example,between two patients.

In addition, as illustrated on FIG. 3, means for traceability of thedisinfection operation of the sensors can be envisioned.

Thus, FIG. 3 shows the disinfection chamber 11 and the sensor generallydesignated by the reference numeral 7.

Actually, as explained above, such a sensor generally comprises anactive portion designated by the general reference numeral 7 a on thisFigure and a connecting cable designated by the general referencenumeral 7 b.

Thus, this sensor is adapted to be put in place and removed from thedisinfection chamber 11, this disinfection chamber being adapted toimplement a disinfecting cycle of this sensor, using disinfectingradiation.

In this regard, it will be noted that a cable opening is provided, forexample, in the area of the access hatch or other, in order to make itpossible to introduce the sensor into the chamber without disconnectingit from the rest of the apparatus.

In the apparatus according to the invention, each sensor carriesidentification data of this sensor.

By way of example, this identification data can be constituted by a barcode designated by the general reference numeral 7 c on FIG. 3, this barcode being carried, for example, by the active portion, or by theconnecting cable of the sensor.

Of course, other embodiments can be envisioned.

Then, the chamber is associated with means for acquiring thisidentification data of each sensor.

These means for acquiring this identification data are designated by thegeneral reference numeral 16 on this FIG. 3, and comprise, for example,any appropriate sensing element, for example, a bar code reader orother.

This sensing element is then adapted to acquire the identification dataof the or each sensor when it is put in place and when it is removedfrom the chamber at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle.

By way of example, these acquisition means can be in the form of asensing element external to the chamber, for example, in the form of a“scanhead” type sensing element or in the form of a sensing elementdirectly integrated into the disinfection chamber, for example, underthe boom 15 of this chamber.

In addition, the chamber is associated with means for acquiringcharacterization data of the disinfecting cycle, i.e., moreparticularly, of the conditions of its performance.

These means are designated by the general reference numeral 17 on thisFigure, and they can include various types of data acquisition meansadapted to acquire data selected from a data group comprising, forexample, identification data of the chamber and/or of the apparatus,each chamber/apparatus being then associated with a specificidentification number stored therein, time-stamping data of the cycle,making it possible, for example, to acquire the date of the cycle, thenumber of the cycle in the day, the time at the start and the time atthe end of the cycle, from a clock-forming circuit, etc.

This characterization data can also include data regarding the UV doseemitted during a cycle if the chamber is a disinfection chamber equippedwith means for generating disinfecting UV radiation.

Then, this data can be determined from a sensing element of anyappropriate type already known in the art and designated, for example,by the general reference numeral 18 on this Figure.

This sensing element can be implanted, for example, under the boom 15 ofthe chamber.

These various data, i.e., the identification data of the or each sensorand the characterization data of the disinfecting cycle, are thentransmitted to a data processing unit designated by the generalreference numeral 19 on this Figure and constituted by any appropriatecomputer, for example, integrated into the means for controlling theoperation of the chamber, so as to implement a function of associatingthis data in order to generate traceability data of the disinfection.

That is, this data processing unit 19 is adapted to associate theidentification data of the or each sensor present in the chamber duringa disinfecting cycle with the characterization data of the performanceof this cycle, in order to supply data making it possible to ensure thetraceability of the disinfection of the or each sensor.

This traceability data is designated by the general reference numeral 20on this Figure and makes it possible to relate each sensor to theconditions of the performance of the corresponding disinfecting cycle.

It is to be noted that this traceability data can be emitted only if asensor has been identified when it is introduced into the chamber beforethe start of the cycle and when it is removed from this chamber afterthe end of the cycle.

Thus, the operator must necessarily identify the sensor when it is putin place and when it is removed from the chamber. If this is not thecase, the data processing unit does not generate traceability data.

This traceability data is then available to ensure the traceability ofthe disinfection operation, in order, for example, to store this data indata storage means as illustrated at 21 on this Figure, to display thisdata, for example, on a display device of any type designated by thegeneral reference numeral 22, or to print this data, for example, withprinting means of any type such as a printer designated by the generalreference 23.

It will be noted that such a printer can, for example, be adapted toprint the traceability data on a sticker that can be associated with,for example, a file of a patient that was in contact with thedisinfected sensor, a traceability register, etc.

By way of example, then, the characterization data carried by thissticker includes data on a UV dose received by the sensor during itspassage in the disinfection chamber, where this dose can be determinedfrom the power or UV illumination emitted during the cycle multiplied bythe duration of this cycle.

Indeed, it is known that this parameter can be crucial to obtain aspecific level of disinfection of the sensors.

It is understood, then, that such a system makes it possible to ensurean optimal traceability of disinfection of sensors of this typein-so-far the traceability data makes it possible to guarantee thepassage of the sensor in the chamber and to verify the characterizationdata of the disinfecting cycle to which the sensor was subjected, i.e.,in particular, the moment when this disinfection took place, the chamberin which this disinfecting cycle was performed, and the dose, inparticular UV dose, received by the sensor.

Of course, other embodiments can be envisioned.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of embodiment of such a disinfectionchamber.

This disinfection chamber is also designated by the general referencenumeral 11 on this FIG. 4, and the access hatch to this chamber isdesignated by the general reference numeral 12.

The sensor is still designated by the general reference numeral 7.

As illustrated, the chamber then has an inner surface having a circularcross-section, for example.

This surface is designated by the general reference numeral 30 on thisFigure, and it makes it possible, then, to optimize the reflection ofthe radiation generated by the radiation generation means on the sensorto be disinfected.

In the example of embodiment illustrated on this FIG. 4, thesegeneration means actually comprise four tubes designated by the generalreference numerals 31, 32, 33, and 34, respectively, distributed, forexample, at an angle of 90° with respect to one another in correspondingreceiving semi-circular recesses provided in this inner surface of thechamber.

These semi-circular recesses are designated by the reference numerals36, 37, 38, and 39, respectively, on this Figure.

Of course, it is understood that a different number of tubes and anotherarrangement of these tubes could also be envisioned.

In addition, the chamber can also be optimized, for example, if theinner surface 30 is covered at least in part and preferably completelyby polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known under the trademarkTEFLON. That is, it has been observed that the use of such a covermaterial on this surface makes it possible to also further optimize thereflection of the radiation and thus the quality of disinfection.

Thus, it is understood that such a structure and in particular the useof such an inner surface for the chamber make it possible to optimizethe reflection of the radiation emitted by the means for generating suchradiation in order to optimize disinfection of the sensor.

FIG. 5 illustrates an improvement of such a chamber in which the boom 15for suspending the sensor 7 includes means for rotating the sensor inthe chamber.

Actually, this boom 15 participates to the constitution of means forsuspending at least one sensor to be disinfected, in the chamber.

Advantageously, these suspension means can be, for example, adjustablein height in the chamber by any known adjustment mechanism, such as, forexample, a screw-nut mechanism that the operator can maneuver using aknob.

Of course, other embodiments can be envisioned.

To remedy problems related to homogeneity of disinfection within thechamber, the means for suspending the sensor comprise means for rotatingthis sensor in the chamber, during its disinfection.

By way of example, a complete rotation about themselves or anoscillating movement over a predetermined angular range of thesesuspension means, and thus, of the sensor, can be envisioned.

In the example of embodiment illustrate don FIG. 5, these suspensionmeans actually comprise a member in the form of a hook designated by thegeneral reference numeral 40 to which the sensor designated by thegeneral reference numeral 7 can be suspended, this hook being, forexample mounted movable in rotation with respect to the boom 15 underthe action of drive means designated by the general reference numeral 41and including, for example, an electric motor associated with speedreduction means or other, whose output shaft is associated with the hook40 in any appropriate manner.

This motor can be placed, for example, on the boom 15 perpendicularly tothe hook.

Electrical supply to the motor is then provided by electrical conductorsdesignated by the general reference numeral 42 on this Figure, whichmake it possible to connect these drive means to a unit for controllingthe operation of the chamber, implanted in the apparatus, for example.

When the chamber is in operation, the drive means are then controlled soas to move the suspension means and thus the sensor, in order tohomogenize the exposition of this sensor to disinfecting UV radiation,for example.

Of course, it is understood that other embodiments can be envisioned, inparticular, regarding these suspension means and drive means.

FIG. 6 illustrates still another improvement of this chamber.

As indicated above, such a chamber includes the boom designated by thegeneral reference numeral 15, which extends in the chamber toparticipate in the constitution of the means for suspending the sensorto be disinfected in the chamber.

To further improve the quality of disinfection in the chamber accordingto the invention, means transparent to radiation are provided forholding the sensor in an elongated state and in a substantially verticalorientation, under the suspension means.

This makes it possible, for example, to avoid any deformation ortwisting of the sensor, which could translate into a disposition and/ora state of this sensor that may be unfavorable to disinfection.

Various embodiments of these means for holding the instrument can beenvisioned.

Actually, these holding means are adapted to hold the sensor preferablysubstantially at the center of the chamber, as illustrated.

These holding means can then include, for example, means for guiding thesensor such as those illustrated on this Figure and designated by thegeneral reference numeral 50.

Indeed, in the example of embodiment illustrated on FIG. 6, theseholding means comprise one or several members in the form of guidingcombs distributed over the height of the chamber, to hold the instrumentin an optimal disinfection position.

In the example illustrated, two series of two complementary combsdesignated by the reference numerals 51, 52, 53, and 54, respectively,are used at two different heights in the chamber to hold the sensor inthe optimal position.

Of course, it is understood that other embodiments of these means can beenvisioned. Thus, by way of example, one or several tubes for receivingone or several sensors can also be envisioned, these tubes extending,for example, in the area of the center of the chamber in a verticalposition.

However, according to still another embodiment, these holding means canalso be formed by a weight adapted to be coupled and/or suspended at thecorresponding free end of the sensor in order to hold it in position.

Of course, as indicated above, these holding means are made in amaterial transparent to radiation, such as, for example, a C type UVradiation.

In this case, the holding means are made, by way of example, in siliciumoxide.

Of course, it is understood that other embodiments can also beenvisioned.

Then, holding the sensor in position makes it possible to ensure that itis in the most favorable position for its disinfection in the chamber.

It is then understood that such an apparatus has a number of advantagesas compared to apparatuses in the state of the art, in particularregarding disinfection of the sensors.

That is, this disinfection can be implemented very easily and veryquickly by an operator, in order to obtain an optimal disinfection ofthe sensors.

Of course, it is understood that various other embodiments of such anapparatus can be envisioned.

1. Medical imaging apparatus, of the type including a frame on which ismounted at least one medical imaging data processing unit connected atleast to imaging sensor forming means and to image display formingmeans, wherein the frame includes at least one integrated chamber fordisinfecting the sensor forming means, including means for generating adisinfecting radiation and adapted to implement a disinfecting cyclethereof, wherein each sensor has identification data and in that thechamber is associated with means for acquiring the identification dataof the or each sensor when it is put in place and when it is removedfrom the chamber at the start and at the end of a disinfecting cycle,with means for acquiring characterization data of the disinfectingcycle, and with means for associating the identification data of the oreach instrument and the characterization data of the disinfecting cycleto generate traceability data of the disinfection of the or each sensor.2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chamber is equipped withan access hatch and is associated with a control panel provided on theframe.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identificationdata of each sensor is in the form of a bar code and in that thecorresponding acquisition means of the chamber comprise a code reader.4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the chamber includes a boomfor suspending the sensor and in that the reader is fixed to this boom.5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for acquiringcharacterization data of the disinfecting cycle comprise means foracquiring data selected from the data group comprising identificationdata of the chamber and/or of the apparatus and time-stamping data ofthe disinfecting cycle.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thechamber includes means for generating a UV radiation for disinfectingthe sensor and in that the characterization data of the disinfectingcycle comprises data on the UV dose emitted during the cycle, providedby a corresponding sensing element implanted in the chamber. 7.Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the chamber includes a boom forsuspending the sensor and in that the reader is fixed to this boom, andwherein the UV sensing element is implanted under the boom of thechamber.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means forassociating the data are associated with means for displaying this data,for storing this data, and/or for printing this data.
 9. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the means for associating this data areadapted to emit traceability data only if the corresponding sensor hasactually been identified when it is put in place and when it is removedfrom the chamber before and after the disinfecting cycle, respectively.10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chamber has an interiorsurface having a circular cross-section.
 11. Apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the inner surface of the chamber has semi-circularrecesses for receiving radiation generating means.
 12. Apparatusaccording to claim 11, wherein the radiation generating means includefour tubes disposed at 90° with respect to one another.
 13. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the chamber has an inner surface coveredat least in part by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 14. Medical imagingapparatus, of the type including a frame on which is mounted at leastone medical imaging data processing unit connected at least to imagingsensor forming means and to image display forming means, wherein theframe includes at least one integrated chamber for disinfecting thesensor forming means, including means for generating a disinfectingradiation and adapted to implement a disinfecting cycle thereof; whereinthe chamber has means for suspending at least one sensor in the chamberand means for rotating the sensor in the chamber.
 15. Apparatusaccording to claim 14, wherein the rotating means are adapted to causean oscillating movement over a predetermined angular range of thesuspension means.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein therotating means comprise electric drive means associated with a hook forsuspending the sensor in the chamber.
 17. Apparatus according to claim16, wherein the chamber includes a boom for suspending the sensor and inthat the reader is fixed to this boom, and wherein the suspension meansand the drive means are associated with the boom extending in thechamber.
 18. Medical imaging apparatus, of the type including a frame onwhich is mounted at least one medical imaging data processing unitconnected at least to imaging sensor forming means and to image displayforming means, wherein the frame includes at least one integratedchamber for disinfecting the sensor forming means, including means forgenerating a disinfecting radiation and adapted to implement adisinfecting cycle thereof; wherein the chamber has means for suspendingat least one sensor in the chamber and means for generating adisinfection radiation in the chamber, and means transparent to theradiation for holding the sensor in an elongated state and in asubstantially vertical orientation under the suspension means. 19.Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the holding means are adaptedto hold the sensor substantially at the center of the chamber. 20.Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the holding means comprisemeans for guiding the sensor in the chamber.
 21. Apparatus according toclaim 20, wherein the guiding means include one or several members inthe form of combs for guiding the sensor distributed over the height ofthe chamber.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the guidingmeans comprise one or several tubes for receiving the sensor. 23.Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the holding means comprise aweight adapted to be coupled to the free end of the sensor. 24.Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the holding means are made insilicium oxide.
 25. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the holdingmeans are located under the suspension means.